Volkswagen Polo Service & Repair Manual: Product Characteristics

Refrigerants used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems
belong to the new generation of refrigerants based on
chlorine-free, partially fluorinated hydrocarbons (H-FKW,
R134a).

With regard to their physical properties, these are
refrigerants which have been liquefied under pressure. They are
subject to the regulations governing pressure vessels and use is
only to be made of approved and appropriately marked containers.

Compliance with specific conditions is required to ensure
safe and proper use.

Handling Refrigerant

WARNING

There is a danger of ice-up.

The refrigerant can then escape as a fluid or vapor.

Do not open containers which store refrigerant.

If refrigerant vessels are opened, the contents may escape
in liquid or vapor form. This process is intensified the higher
the pressure in the vessel.

The pressure level is governed by two factors:

The type of refrigerant in the vessel. “The lower the
boiling point, the higher the pressure.”

The temperature level. “The higher the temperature, the
higher the pressure.”

Protective Eyewear

Put on protective goggles. They prevent refrigerant getting into the eyes, as
this could cause severe injury from exposure to cold.

Protective Gloves and Clothing

Greases and oils dissolve readily in refrigerants. They would therefore
destroy the protective layer of grease if allowed to come into contact with the
skin. Degreased skin is however sensitive to the cold and germs.

Fluid Refrigerant and Skin Precaution

The refrigerant draws heat for evaporation from the surrounding area. Even if
this is the skin. This may cause extremely low temperatures. Local frost bite
may result (boiling point of R134a: -26.5 °C (-15.7 °F) at ambient pressure).

Do Not Breath In Refrigerant Vapor

Note

If highly concentrated refrigerant vapor escapes, it mixes
with the surrounding air and displaces the oxygen necessary for
breathing.

Smoking Hazard

A burning cigarette can cause refrigerant to decompose. The resultant
substances are toxic and must not be inhaled.

Underseal
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warningsThe underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from
corrosion and damage. The protective coating on the underside of the vehicle could
be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore recommends that the protective coati ...